Our skin types are not the same even if we may be of same race, have same complexion or of same parents. Just as we have different skin type, same way we need to care in different ways for our skin. You need to know your skin type in order to benefit maximally from your skin care products. No matter how expensive or good a product is, if it is not for your skin type; then very sorry it will be a huge waste of resources…… money, material and manpower.

Do you know your skin type? Do you know your skin needs? Do you know that your skin has needs based on your skin type? Do you know that if your skin needs are not met, then your skin goals most likely will not be achieved?
Your skin type is largely determined by genetics but skin condition can sometimes vary based on different factors it is subjected to which may be internal or external to the skin. The basic skin types that have been identified are four;

1. Normal
2. Dry
3. Oily
4. Combination

Skin type depends on;

1. The amount of water that is present in the skin, which can affects its comfort and elasticity
2. How oily it is, which affects its softness and suppleness.
3. Its sensitivity.

Normal skin: This skin type is usually well-balanced and neither too dry nor too oily. The forehead, nose and chin (T-zone) may slightly be oily but overall moisture and sebum is balanced.
Normal skin has fine pores, smooth texture, radiant complexion, barely visible pores and is not prone to sensitivity.
A person with normal skin may be prone to age-induced dryness.

Dry skin: Dry skin can sometimes feel tense, tight, and rough dull complexion. Dry skin is less elastic and has visible lines. It describes skin that produces less sebum than normal skin. As a result, the lipid content is reduced which makes the skin unable to retain moisture. Although, skin is naturally loosing water, dry skin is caused by a lack of natural moisturizing factors (like amino acids, urea and lactic acid) and epidermal lipids (like ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids).

Oily skin: This skin type produces excess sebum and has a glossy shine to it. It has enlarged, visible pores and are very prone to acne, white heads and black heads.
Sometimes, excessive sebum production is triggered by stress, comedogenic cosmetis, drugs, hormonal changes and genetics.

Combination skin: It varies between skin types in different zones of the skin. Here, the T-zone may has visibly enlarged pores while the cheeks may be normal to dry.

Unlike skin type, skin condition can vary based on internal and external factors at different times of life.  These factors maybe the level of stress, drugs one is taking, hereditary factors, ailments, climate and pollution, factors that influence the levels of sebum, sweat and the natural moisturising factors that the skin produces along with products that are applied and the skincare practices that one chooses.

Skincare products should be selected to match skin type and address skin conditions. This is the only way that ageing can be kept at bay and a healthy skin truly guaranteed.